Shloka 49

Matsya Purana — Narasimha’s Victory over Hiraṇyakaśipu and the Catalogue of Apocalyptic Omens

Devanagari script

वानस्पत्यो न पूज्यन्ते पूजनार्हाः कथंचन वायुवेगेन हन्यन्ते भज्यन्ते प्रणमन्ति च //

Transliteration

vānaspatyo na pūjyante pūjanārhāḥ kathaṃcana vāyuvegena hanyante bhajyante praṇamanti ca //

Translation

Even when they are in every way worthy of worship, trees are not (always) worshipped; for they are struck by the force of the wind, they break, and they bend down as if in obeisance.

Word by Word

• vānaspatyaḥ: trees/woody plants

• na: not

• pūjyante: are worshipped

• pūjanārhāḥ: worthy of worship

• kathaṃcana: in any way/at all

• vāyu-vegena: by the force/impetus of wind

• hanyante: are struck/afflicted

• bhajyante: are broken/splintered

• praṇamanti: bow down/bend as if saluting

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vayu (wind)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual
• Sacred Trees
• Temple Precinct
• Dharma

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses wind-force as a natural power that can strike and break trees, highlighting the vulnerability of even worship-worthy beings to elemental forces.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It supports ethical stewardship: a king/householder should protect and honor worship-worthy trees (often part of sacred groves and temple environs) rather than neglect them, since natural forces can damage them without human care.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

In Vastu and temple-precinct planning, sacred trees are treated as ritually significant; the verse implies they merit reverence and practical protection (e.g., wind-exposed placement, supports, or preserving groves) because they can be broken or bent by strong winds.